Strategy: South Korean beauty products have become a $2 billion industry — and Americans visiting the Olympics are making the most of it

South Korea is famous for its beauty products, and visitors to Pyeongchang are buying lots of them before they head home.

• South Korea is well-known in the beauty industry for its natural and hydrating skincare products, like sheet masks and essences, according to the "Today" show.
• While at the Olympics in Pyeongchang, many Americans have discovered for themselves how great Korean beauty products are.
• Lots of them are stocking up before they have to head home.

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Americans at the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang can't seem to get enough of Korean skincare products.

The South Korean beauty industry has been growing rapidly for years, according to the BBC. In 2015, the country exported more than $2.64 billion worth of beauty products. Korean skincare is all about having hydrated and glowing skin, according to beauty expert Charlotte Cho, who was featured in a recent segment about the craze on the "Today" show.

On the website for Soko Glam, the Korean beauty marketplace that Cho cofounded, she writes: "Koreans have a skin-first philosophy — they believe that skin care should be enjoyable and that it's an investment in their overall well-being."

The trend has now reportedly caught on with visitors — both athletes and the people there to cover the events — at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. The weather conditions there are cold and dry, so it makes sense that visitors would want to take full advantage of the area's skincare shops.

Here are some of the popular products that people likely have their eye on:

Skin Food Hydro Fitting Snail Mask

Korean skincare emphasises hydrated skin. The $13 Skin Food Hydro Fitting Snail Mask is made with snail mucin, which replenishes moisture and is great to help with dry skin.

Atoclassic Real Tonic Lifting Treatment Mask

Another sheet mask used to nourish skin is the Atoclassic Real Tonic Lifting Treatment Mask, which is made with antioxidant-rich ingredients and claims to help skin look younger after each use.

Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence

Beauty expert Charlotte Cho recommended this product on "Today," saying that no Korean skincare routine is complete without using a hydrating essence.

Huxley Extract It Toner

Huxley makes a similar pH-balancing toner meant to strengthen and soften skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is used for similar purposes, with the goal of adding long-lasting hydration back to skin. It's recommended for dry skin types.

Neogen Green Tea Cleanser

This Neogen cleanser contains fermented green tea extract and green tea leaves, geared towards oily and combination skin types. It's a natural, water-based cleanser meant to hydrate and brighten skin.

Elisha Coy Skin Refreshing Snail Cleanser

Like the Skin Food sheet mask, this cleanser uses snail mucin for extra added moisture. It's a common ingredient in Korean skincare products.

Son & Park Beauty Filter Cream Glow

This product has been compared to a real-life Instagram filter that brightens and smooths skin. It's made with flower extract and contains pearl to add a natural-looking glow.

Laneige BB Cushion Compact Hydra Radiance

The Laneige Cushion Compact has a foundation-soaked sponge with micro pearls and moisturizer. It also comes with an anti-microbial applicator.

Essential Star-Cealer Foundation

This two-in-one foundation and concealer designed by Korean makeup artist Jung Saem Mool is smoothing and hydrating.

Saturday Skin Wide Awake Brightening Eye Cream

This popular brightening eye cream from Saturday Skin is made with date seed and palm tree extract.

posted by Campus94